Vortex Bowl

Colin Tweed – Vortex Bowl

Early Life and Career

Colin Tweed was born in 1955 in a small village in South Yorkshire. In 1964, his family moved to Worksop, North Nottinghamshire, where he attended local schools. At the age of 15, he left school and began an apprenticeship in a local engineering factory as a centre lathe turner. For the next 50 years, Colin worked in engineering, specialising in oil and gas pipeline equipment.

From Brewing to National Awards

In 1975, Colin met his wife at a local disco, and they married the following year. With a young family to support, Colin sought an affordable hobby. A work colleague introduced him to winemaking and brewing, which quickly became a passion. Over the years, his dedication to the craft brought national recognition.

By 2009, he had built his own microbrewery at home, aptly named The Shed Brewery. His skill and commitment led him to become a qualified wine judge, progressing from local to national level. He later expanded into beer judging, and in 2013 was awarded National Master Brewer – a title he went on to win again in 2014, 2015, and 2017.

A New Creative Journey – Woodturning

After retiring at 65, Colin and his wife began spending extended periods in Greece. With more free time at home, Colin turned his focus from metalwork to woodturning. He transformed his garage into a workshop, naming it Shed Brewery Woodwork in homage to his brewing days.

Initially, he worked with recycled wood from old furniture, crafting and selling items locally. His engineering background soon inspired him to take on more challenging projects. Colin now specialises in open and closed segmented woodturning, a precise and intricate technique that requires patience and skill.

Artistic Style and Inspiration

Colin creates a wide variety of ornamental bowls, vases, and decorative woodwork using both hardwoods and reclaimed materials. Each piece is unique, combining precision craftsmanship with sustainable practices. His years in engineering give him a meticulous eye for detail, while his passion for recycling reflects his respect for materials and tradition.

For Colin, woodturning is more than a hobby – it is a rewarding art form. He often enjoys admiring his finished creations with a pint of his handcrafted real ale or a glass of his homemade wine, a perfect pairing of his lifelong passions.

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Colin Tweed – Vortex Bowl